At the 2024 CTFL finals on July 6, Bears’ athlete Sadie-Jane Hickson took second place in a very close 800m final to Bears’ utility athlete Sonia Gaskin, only falling behind by a miniscule 0.12 seconds. First place is always the goal, but Hickson at least showed she was capable of that.

On top of that, Gaskin was a utility athlete, meaning she was not eligible for the individual 800m title. Hickson counted as the winner of the 800m among the core athletes in the event, per CTFL scoring rules, scoring the maximum number of points for her team in the process.

Because of this, and Hickson’s mind-blowing consistency throughout the season, she was crowned the 2024 CTFL women’s 800m champion scoring 70 points for her team in the process. 

After the race, Hickson provided CTFL fans with valuable insight into how she competes so consistently at an elite level, outlining her step-by-step race plan. 

If you’re looking to create a highly competitive mindset for your next 800m race – or race of any distance, really – now is a good time to take notes:

“Going in, I wasn’t feeling my peppy, wired self,” Hickson said.

A big, positive personality, it’s hard to imagine Hickson feeling any other way. But July 6 was host to an unpredictable array of stormy weather – including an extreme weather warning – which might create a level of nervousness for any athlete. That may or may not have been the case for Hickson at the CTFL final, but either way, she explained the importance of focusing on what really counts.

“It doesn’t matter how you feel before the race,” Hickson said. “It matters how you feel during it.”

As the gun went off, Gaskin took the lead and Hickson placed herself right behind her. Behind them, a lead group was forming behind the two Bears, as Arctics’ athletes Julia Agostinelli and Catherine Kennedy trailed closely behind. 

Hickson’s race is a well-thought out endeavour, which is certainly a key to her success. Through the first lap, she says she uses very positive self-talk, no matter how she may feel.

“I just tell myself: you feel great, this is so in control, this is so chill, you’re good,” Hickson explained. “Even if it doesn’t necessarily feel that way.”

Hickson looked controlled and focused, as she maintained her position in second place as her teammate made a big break at the bell.

This season, Hickson’s focus was directed mostly towards the last lap. Earlier in the season, Hickson said she would wait until there were 300 meters to go before she would start making a push for the finish. This time, her queue to start grinding came just as she passed the halfway point on her way to the 600 mark.

Gaskin’s push at the bell gave her a significant lead, but Hickson confidently pursued her teammate. As they rounded the back straight, Hickson was putting more and more distance between her and the two Arctics. With 200 meters to go, she was ready to put the last part of her advice to good use.

“From 600 to 800, just don’t be a baby,” Hickson said. “It’s gonna hurt and it’s gonna be done.”

Gaskin’s lead at this point was significant, but Hickson’s would not let her teammate take the win easily. Hickson worked her way back up to Gaskin in the final straight, getting right onto her shoulder on the inside of the track and crossing the line just inches behind.

Hickson put herself right where she needed to be to go the distance with Gaskin and establish herself as the 2024 women’s 800m champion. Thanks to her elite race plan and unbreaking consistency, Hickson was rewarded with the coveted CTFL gold medal.

“I’m very proud with how that worked out,” Hickson said. “I didn’t give up, so I’m happy with the outcome.”